Yi Jing - The Book of Changes

The eight trigrams which together create the 64 hexagrams of the Yi Jing, or Book of Changes

I returned to Xi’an with a feeling of release. Finally I can take it slow and stop rushing about from one city to another. Having written a speech about taking time to BE instead of constantly DOING I ought to be ready for this.

My consultation of the Yi Jing produced hexagram # 49 – Ko.  The divination (arrived at by the casting of three Chinese coins in six separate throws) seems quite apt for my situation. I asked about the value and duration of my continuing stay in Xi'an. This produced the hexagram 'Ko',  "It has to be done at the right time, when the old is on the point of breaking, and the new has the possibility to grow. Like the snake sheds his skin at the exact right moment." Ko is believed in only after it has been accomplished.  There will be great progress and success. Advantage will come from being firm and correct, then the occasion for repentance will disappear.

The moving line shows my making changes after some time has passed. This action will be fortunate and will contain no errors. Two daughters live together with their minds fixed on different objects. The image is the waters of a marsh with a fire beneath, or in the midst of it. Lake above, fire below reminds us that each can extinguish the other. Timing appears to be crucial, (patience), but the prognosis for the change to come is for admiration. When the change has been made faith will be accorded to it.

My interpretation of this is that fire keeps me moving, visiting different places, teaching and learning, rushing about. The lake is simply calm, reflecting what surrounds her, still and beautiful.  Today when I landed in Xi’an with a desire to slow down I invoked the lake.  Neither can ultimately prevail for both are legitimate daughters with their own natural characteristics.  The play between the two cannot remain static, however, because each affects the other greatly. The lake can put out the fire.  The fire can dry up the lake.  Their very proximity is inherently dynamic.  After a period of time change is bound to result.

"Then answered Arthur slowly from the barge:
'The old order changeth, yielding place to new,
And god fulfills himself in many ways
Lest one good custom should corrupt the world."

From La Morte d'Arthur by Thomas Mallory

Easy Rider

I do have a helmet.
Had to take it off to use my mobile phone.

Its really the best way to get around a busy city.  Even when the traffic is very heavy there always seems to be a pathway that opens up for the bikes.  The weather is so hot, but you soar along like a bird creating a cool breeze by your passing.  Parking is also very convenient.  Sometimes there's an 'official' bike park which costs 2 rmb - a small price for feeling your bike is safe.

I'm learning the tricks of Xi'an bike navigation

1) Expect interference from all directions at all times: cars, bikes, 3 wheelers, buses, pedestrians and other unidentifiable mobiletraffic.

2) There is some honking, but it mostly means, "I'm here," So far I have not heard any words spoken in anger in fact, no matter what the provocation, nobody seems to speak at all.  They just push on. When approaching pedestrians from behind - honk!

3) Street directions such as crosswalks and red lights are interesting but do not restrict one's activities.

4) Buses are ruthless.  Expect no mercy.  Fortunately they are usually predictable. A bus that stops in the middle of the street is about to disgorge a steady stream of passengers to the right.

5) Cars regard any small advantage in positioning as equivalent to right of way.  It is useful that a bike can usually accelerate more quickly to avoid trouble.  Don't give them any space to cut you off if you can possibly help it.  Avoid taxis like rabid dogs.

6) Generally, its best to be on the curb side or in the curb lane.  This gives you the option of finding an unblocked cycle lane or going on the sidewalk.  Watch out for passengers getting off buses.

7) Another advantage of the curb side is when you get to a red light.  If the light is reading a high number such as 40 or 55 you have the option of making a left turn with the foot traffic and setting yourself up to reach the left bound curb lane when the light turns.

8) A gutsy strategy on a busy intersection is to head for the sweet spot in the exact centre and wait it out. Almost all traffic misses the centre and eventually you'll get an opening.

9) Massive roundabouts almost deserve their own section.  They serve four streets (or more) conduct four or five lanes with almost no reference to the white lines and are almost always crowded.  You enter by merging.  Know where you want to go. Match the speed and direction of traffic. Try to follow your curve; although anyone can cut you off from either side at any time. Again, rule 5 applies.  The best strategy is to maintain speed, make no sudden moves and watch for your openings.

10) Keep your awareness on the present moment, 360 degrees, at all times.  Always be ready to brake, turn or accelerate.  The past is gone instantly; let it go.  Remember that something unexpected will happen at any moment and be ready.

I intend to post more photos as a guide for safe, cool, quick navigation of Xi'an's busy streets.